Merging CSA and Tax Credits Not a Sensible Solution
Posted on Friday, January 20 2006
Moray SNP MP, Angus Robertson, has today [Tuesday] called upon the government to take urgent action to reform the Child Support Agency and has warned that proposals to merge part of the Agency with Customs and Revenue is not a sensible solution to the problem.
The Scottish National Party raised the matter in a Commons debate on the Chid Support Agency. Commenting on the issue Mr Robertson said that it was clear that the Agency was failing in its current form.
Mr Robertson continued:
"I have dealt with the Agency on many occasions since my election and it is perfectly clear that it has never got over the initial problem of being set up in haste and under resourced from the outset. What should have been a good idea has totally failed both parents and children. What is needed now is a root and branch reform, and adequate resources, to tackle the underlying problems once and for all.
"The idea, apparently being floated by the current head of the CSA, that it be abolished and part of its function transferred to Revenues and Customs , is not a sensible solution. The Tax Credits system, administered by Customs and Revenues, is also a complete mess. I have had several constituents say to me they will no longer claim due to their experiences with the system.
"To add the mess that is the Child Support Agency into the mess of the Tax Credits system will create absolute chaos and make a dreadful situation worse.
"What is urgently required is root and branch reform to introduce the simplified "new" system for all, a quick interim assessment procedure, proper resources and action to enforce awards. Only when the system is fair and seen to be fair will it gain the confidence of both parents with care and non resident parents and, most importantly, deliver improvements for children who are caught in the middle of the current mess."
Ends.
ROYAL MAIL PRICING CHANGES "THIN END OF THE WEDGE"
Posted on Friday, January 20 2006
Moray MP, Angus Robertson, has reiterated his concern at the new price structure being introduced by Royal Mail.
The company not only announced rises in stamp prices, coming into force in
April, but also indicated that it will move towards a system of "pricing in
proportion" later in the year. This means that the cost of posting letters
or packages will no longer merely depend on the weight of the item but will
also take into account the size and shape.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Robertson said:
"This change may well be revenue neutral for Royal Mail but it could have an
adverse effect on many businesses in rural areas who do not have access to
alternative delivery methods. Many such businesses may well be sending
non-standard packages to customers and thus could see an increase in their
costs.
"The introduction of this system by Royal Mail is clearly a move away from a
universal service for all and could be the thin end of he wedge for postal
services in rural areas."
Ends
SNP RAISES RENDITION FLIGHTS AT WESTMINSTER
Posted on Friday, January 20 2006
"Pressure grows after government leak and SNP report"
Pressure is growing on the UK government about "rendition flights"
following a civil service leak and the publication of a report by the
SNP detailing intelligence flights through Scottish airports.
SNP Foreign Affairs and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP raised the
matter during business questions today (Thursday) where he demanded a
debate on the details of the allegations. His request was turned down by
the Leader of the House Geoff Hoon MP who said it would not be
appropriate.
This follows a leaked Foreign Office memo which advises the UK
government to "avoid getting into the detail" and yesterday (Wednesday)
the SNP published a report on alleged intelligence flights through
Scottish airports.
The report compiled by a senior aviation expert lists in detail the
planes and the dates on which they landed in Scotland while allegedly
operating for front companies of the US Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA).
The report lists 10 firms which allegedly operate as CIA shell companies
and details the plane type, registration numbers and dates which they
landed at Prestwick, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. Among the planes a
Gulfstream jet (Registration number N379P/N8068V) nicknamed the
"Guantanamo Bay Express" and reportedly used to transport suspects to
the US prison on Cuba. That plane is listed in the report as having
landed five times at Glasgow and Prestwick airports between 2002 and the
end of 2004.
The report also lists details about a DC 9 airliner (Registration number
N822US) which has been the subject of diplomatic inquiries by the
Norwegian government and debate in the Canadian Parliament. The plane is
listed in the report as having landed at both Glasgow and Prestwick
airports in 2002 and 2003.
SNP Foreign Affairs spokesman Angus Robertson MP said:
"The UK government is suppressing debate and issuing advice against
openness. Concerns are growing about intelligence flights and the
transportation of people against their will. It is unacceptable for this
Westminster culture of secrecy to continue.
"The SNP has published a report which lists between 40 and 50
intelligence flights through Scottish airports. Some of the planes have
been linked with the transportation of prisoners.
"If we are to effectively combat terrorist extremism we need to maintain
the highest human rights standards and the UK is creating a bad
impression with obfuscation and spin."
ENDS
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